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The Significance of Jesus’ Burial in Christian Faith

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AMY TURNER

The burial of Jesus is more than a simple event in history. It holds deep meaning for Christians. In John 19:40, we read how Jesus’ body was wrapped in linen and spices, following Jewish burial customs. This confirms that Jesus died. His death was final, and the grave made that clear.

His burial also fulfilled ancient prophecies. Isaiah spoke of the Messiah resting in a rich man’s tomb, and Jesus himself said he would be in the earth for three days, just as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish. These moments were not accidents, but part of God’s plan.

Perhaps most importantly, the grave represents hope. Jesus did not remain in the tomb, and for those who belong to him, death is not the end either. The promise is sure. The grave could not hold Christ, and it will not hold his followers.

For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection,

Romans 6:5

John MacArthur, Influential US Pastor and Author, Dies at 86

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DAVID INGRAM

John MacArthur Jr., one of the most influential and polarizing figures in American evangelicalism, passed away on Monday. His death was announced by Phil Johnson, the longtime director of MacArthur’s media ministry. The announcement was confirmed by Grace to You, the ministry MacArthur founded and led for decades, which posted on its website, “After dealing with some significant health challenges dating back to early 2023, our beloved pastor and teacher John MacArthur has gone to be with Christ..”

MacArthur’s final years were marked by a series of serious health challenges. In early July 2025, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, following years of heart and lung surgeries. Tom Patton, an associate pastor at Grace Community Church, had previously informed the congregation that MacArthur’s recovery from three major surgeries in the second half of 2024 was “slower than expected,” with complications affecting his heart, lungs, and kidneys. In recent months, it became increasingly evident that his time was drawing to a close.

John MacArthur’s ministry career spanned nearly six decades. In 1969, he became the pastor of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, where he remained until his death. Under his leadership, the church grew into a flagship of conservative evangelicalism.

MacArthur’s influence extended far beyond the walls of his church. Through his Grace to You radio ministry, launched in the 1970s, he reached a global audience. Today, the program broadcasts in nine languages across more than 2,400 radio stations worldwide. His teaching, marked by a meticulous, verse-by-verse expository preaching style, earned him the reputation as “the world’s premier expositor.”

Pastor MacArthur wrote or edited hundreds of books, Bible commentaries, and theological works. His MacArthur Study Bible, first published in 1997, remains a staple in evangelical circles, with more than four million copies sold. He also founded and led The Master’s University and The Master’s Seminary, institutions dedicated to training pastors and Christian leaders in his theological tradition.

His ministry’s slogan, “Unleashing God’s Truth, One Verse at a Time,” encapsulated his commitment to a literal, inerrant, and authoritative interpretation of scripture, an approach that shaped generations of pastors and laypeople.

While revered by many for his uncompromising theological stance and dedication to biblical exposition, MacArthur’s legacy is also marked by controversy. He was a central figure in the resurgence of Calvinist doctrine in the United States and a vocal critic of cultural and theological movements he viewed as incompatible with biblical Christianity.

MacArthur openly opposed feminism, LGBTQ politics, and the teaching of evolution. In later years, he took combative positions in America’s cultural battles, condemning critical race theory and denouncing what he called “wokeness.”

Despite controversies, John MacArthur’s impact on American evangelicalism is undeniable. His unwavering commitment to expository preaching, church leadership, and theological education shaped the faith and practice of countless Christians worldwide.

MacArthur is survived by Patricia, his wife of 61 years, their four children, 15 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. In the wake of his death, Grace to You affirmed its mission remains unchanged: “As the Lord sustains this work, Grace to You will always and only distribute the Bible teaching of John MacArthur.”

John MacArthur was 86.

Mark Bishop’s New Single Offers Healing Through Music

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SPECIAL CROSSROADS RECORDS

Arden, North Carolina (July 11, 2025) — Sonlite Records’ Mark Bishop reminded listeners of his vivid imaginative skills as a songwriter with his last single, “Now Lazarus Can Sing.” Now, the popular Southern Gospel singer has issued a reminder of the depth and finesse that he brings to his writing with “There’s A Medicine For That,” an extended revelation of a simple yet profound analogy set in a soulful arrangement.

“The longer you live,” Bishop observes, “the more you begin to realize that everyone you know is going through something. Everyone is dealing with some sort of stress or worry, pain or grief. As much as we would like to say the right words, or pitch in and try to help, we soon realize that we don’t have the power to change the situation.

“I’ve recently had some health issues of my own,” he continues, “and was soon aware that even with insurance, the doctor bills keep coming in. But there is also a doctor who listens to us for free.”

Produced by award-winning producer Jeff Collins, who pulls triple duty with flourishes of both piano and organ, “There’s A Medicine For That” frames Bishop’s thorough exploration of this powerful insight:

I know everybody needs Him, there’s no immunity.
Sooner or later life will cut you to the bone.
If it’s pain or grief or worry, He sees the depths of your heart.
Whatever the ailment, when your last hope is gone…

There’s a medicine for that when times have been tough
There are people who’ve been praying and lifting you up
There’s a medicine for that, there’s peace for your soul.
There’s a remedy for a broken heart, He wants you to know.
That wherever you’re at
There’s a medicine, a medicine for that.

With a simmering background reminiscent of African-American gospel classics — and a heartfelt “choir” of Lauren Talley, Freddie Ratliff and 11th Hour’s Victoria Bowlin — “There’s A Medicine For That” is a timely reminder of the healing that Christ’s mercy brings to believers.

“He listens to us and He knows the exact medicine we need,” says Bishop. “And whatever we bring to him, He looks at us and says, ‘There’s a medicine for that.’ His name is Jesus, and He’s always on call.”

“There’s A Medicine For That” is streaming in Dolby Atmos spatial audio on Apple Music, Amazon Music and TIDAL. Listen to it HERE.

About Mark Bishop

Mark Bishop is a Grammy-nominated, Dove Award-winning Christian music artist who resides in east-central Kentucky with his wife Carolyn. In 2024, Mark celebrates a forty-year career in Gospel Music as a recording artist and songwriter.

A music reviewer once said, “Mark Bishop’s music gives us the glasses to see the bigness of God in everyday happenstance.” Linda, an Amazon reviewer said simply, “You just need Mark Bishop’s music in your life.”

In 1984, along with his father and brother, The Bishops began a recording and touring career that would span seventeen years, reaching millions for Christ. The family enjoyed appearances on popular TV programs such as TNN’s Nashville Now, Crooke and Chase, The Grand Ole Opry, The World Today with John Hagee, The Bill Gaither Homecoming video series and many more. They were blessed with twenty-seven Top 40 songs, numerous #1 songs, along with countless awards and industry recognitions.

Many of the group’s most popular songs were penned by Mark. He continues to be a prolific songwriter today, writing music for his own recordings, and other artists such as Brian Free and Assurance, The Kingdom Heirs, The Kingsmen, Legacy Five, Allison Durham Speer, and many others.

Mark’s solo career began after the family group retired in 2001, with that yielding more chart-topping and #1 songs. Mark was voted “Soloist of the Year” in 2005 at the Singing News Fan Awards. In 2020, Mark’s “Beautiful Day” album was a Top-5 Grammy nominee for “Best Roots Gospel Album”. In 2022 he was the recipient of the “J.D. Sumner Living Legend Award” from the readers of SGN Scoops Magazine.

The Meaning of ‘It Is Finished’ in John 19:30

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AMY TURNER

When Jesus was about to die on the cross, he spoke powerful words recorded in John 19:30: “It is finished.” These words were more than a statement about his suffering ending. In the original Greek, the word used means something completed or fully accomplished — a task brought to its final purpose.

Jesus wasn’t simply announcing his death. He was declaring that the mission God had given him was fully achieved. Every prophecy written about the Messiah was now fulfilled. Every demand of the law was satisfied. Most importantly, the price for humanity’s sin was completely paid. There was nothing left to be done.

For believers today, this means that salvation is whole and perfect in Christ. People cannot earn it by their own efforts, nor can anything be taken away from what Jesus accomplished. The cross was not a moment of failure, but a moment of absolute victory.

For by one offering He has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.

Hebrews 10:14

A Busy Summer for the Williamsons!

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SPECIAL AG PUBLICITY / AMY TURNER

Nashville, TN (July 10, 2025) — REAL Southern Gospel recording artists, The Williamsons, have hit the ground running for this summer season.

Their current single, “Message to the World,” written by group member Lisa Williamson, is making waves across the United States and has secured a spot in both the Singing News and Scoops Magazine Top 40 charts this month, as well as reaching the Top 20 in the Singing News Weekly Chart.

Provided by YouTube; â„— 2022 Family Music Group; Lisa Williamson/Eternal Homestead Pub/BMI, williamsonsmusic.com

The group has also been hard at work in the studio, recording their upcoming album under the REAL Southern Gospel label, with their long-time producer Les Butler at the helm. As always, Les’s productions showcase some of the finest musicians, songwriters, and orchestrations in Southern Gospel music. Early indications suggest this could be their best album yet!

“This is our third album together,” says Butler. “I’m as excited as I’ve ever been to produce music with this incredible family and mixed quartet, The Williamsons!”

The Williamsons have performed at many of the premier venues across the United States. Most recently, they were the featured artists at The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where they sang to a packed audience.